CT analysis of malignant epithelial parotid tumors

LIN Jian-bang; JIANG Hong; QIU Shuang-hua; CAI Ai-qun; LI Yang-kang

Abstract：Objective To investigate the value of CT in diagnosis of malignant epithelial parotid tumors .Methods Twenty-three cases with pathologically proved malignant epithelial parotid tumors were selected .The location, lesion size, morphology, margin, density, relationship of the disease to adjacent structures , enhancement features and lymphadenopathy on CT were retro-spectively analyzed .Results 7 cases located in superior lobe , 3 cases in deep lobe and 13 cases involved both lobes simultane-ously.The average maximal size of all cases was 6.7cm.Irregular shape or lobulated contour was seen in 14 cases.Asymmetric density with cystic degeneration was seen in 18 cases.Calcification was seen in 1 case.Unclear or spiculate edge with adjacent structures invasion was seen in 20 cases.Marked enhancement was seen in 15 cases.Lymphadenopathy was seen in 10 cases. The malignant characteristics of 19 cases were finely depicted on CT .4 cases were made with correct histological diagnosis .Con-clusion CT can finely describe the location and imaging natures of malignant epithelial parotid tumors , exactly demonstrate the relationship of the lesion to adjacent structures and lymphadenopathy , and has important value in diagnosis of malignant epithelial parotid tumors .